Freelancing is becoming increasingly popular among people in a variety of professions, and it’s easy to see why. In a traditional job, you’re required to show up at a certain time and adhere to a specific dress code while having little control over your work environment or schedule. Although these were once considered necessary evils, freelancing has proven that there are other ways to earn a steady income.

There’s no question that working for yourself offers these and a range of other advantages over more traditional alternatives, but it’s also true that freelancing can be lonely. Without an easy avenue to social contact, it can often feel isolating. Luckily, coworking spaces have made it simple to combine freelancing with a more traditional work environment.

What Is Coworking?

Like freelancing, coworking is growing in popularity, and people who have tried it report many different benefits over simply working at home. Coworking involves renting a work area at a given time and being surrounded by others looking for the same thing.

Even though you’re not coworkers in the traditional sense, you still benefit from being around productive workers and having people to talk with. Of course, you’re free to leave whenever you like, and face none of the constraints expected at a normal company.

The Benefits of Coworking

Although each person will likely have a unique relationship with coworking as compared to working alone, there are some common positive effects that many new coworkers report experiencing. If any of these sound appealing to you, there’s a good chance that coworking could be exactly what you’re looking for.

1. Focus on productivity

We’d all like to be as productive at home as we are at work, but for many this simply isn’t the case. Not even a home office can provide a comparable environment to that of a coworking space. By renting a workspace, you guarantee a block of time during which you can work without having to worry about knocks at the door, neighbors doing yard work, or other distractions.

2. Grow your network

Since people of all fields and professions can be found coworking, you never know who you’ll meet the next day. Depending on your industry, other coworkers could even be leads for your business. Always keep your business card on hand and be ready to discuss this possibility with everyone you meet.

3. Work in a new environment

If you’re spending your work time alone at home day after day, you’re likely losing productivity to such a sterile, monotonous environment. Whether you’re looking for a modern aesthetic, great view, or community experience, you can find a coworking space that offers exactly what you need.

Freelancing is a large field that’s constantly growing. In fact, 43% of American workers will be freelancers by 2020, and it’s easy to see why so many people are taking the plunge. Coworking balances out some of the common complaints about freelancing and makes it easier to maintain the feel of a traditional workplace without losing the flexibility that comes with freelancing.

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